Four out of 10 early heart attacks could be prevented if the partners and relatives of people with heart disease were routinely screened, according to a study in the British Medical Journal today.Living with or being related to somebody with heart disease is a significant risk factor for heart attack, according to a study. Siblings are twice as likely as most to suffer, but husbands, wives and partners are also in danger.

Blood relatives may have the same genetic triggers for heart disease, but those who share a home probably also share a lifestyle. Smoking, drinking, over-eating and a tendency to watch television rather than go for a jog - all of which may contribute to heart problems - are traits that are likely to run through families.